You may not know this, but the Barn Dance has been a Pullman tradition since my father was a little boy. He and my mother went when they were courting, and so did most of the married couples in this town. I am so happy that my father is allowing us to go together. To have a whole evening to ourselves, away from the prying eyes and ears of the younger Bennett girls, is a gift. Time spent with you this way is something I’ve been dreaming of.
John, you said there should be no secrets between us, so I am also going to share something with you. Edna told me something in strictest confidence and said I could confide in you as well. It has happened that she has fallen in love with Howie, and now her heart is a little broken because Howie seems more interested in Pearl. Pearl, of course, does not see Howie as a suitor. Howie is accompanying Edna to the dance only because Mrs. Donohue does not care for Pearl and encouraged him to ask Edna.
Might I ask a favor of you? If you speak to Howie, man-to-man, could you put in a good word for Edna? She is my dearest friend and truly a fine young woman. She has a giving spirit and is as good as the day is long. Howie does not realize this, but he would be fortunate to have her affections. I cannot help but feel that Howie is being influenced by outward appearances and as a result is missing out on what really matters.
I am counting down the minutes until I see you again.
Yours forever, Alice
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
1983
Late the next morning, Joe walked into Secondhand Heaven, keys in hand. He’d spent the morning fixing the broken window and installing dead bolts on both the front and back doors at Kathleen’s house.
From behind the register, she smiled when he slid the keys across the counter. “Your house is now officially secure,” he said. “I’ve changed the locks, fixed the glass, and added dead bolts to both entrances. I also took the liberty of buying you a very large, very mean dog named Junker. If he doesn’t let you into the house, I’m sorry, but you’re just going to have to move. It’s the only way.”
He was glad to see her laugh. Even that morning as they drank coffee at her kitchen table, she seemed worried about the intruder returning, darting glances at the taped cardboard. In the light of day, it looked even less effective as a barrier than it had the night before. A paltry defense, good only against insects.
“I can’t thank you enough, Joe.” She picked up the keys and slipped them in her pocket, then opened the cash register. “How much do I owe you?”
He waved her money aside with a shake of his head. “No charge. Just one of the many fine benefits of my friendship.”
From across the way came Marcia’s audible scoff. They followed the sound to see her, feather duster in hand, no longer dusting but watching their exchange. “Heard you spent the night over at Kathleen’s,” she said with a knowing grin.
“On the couch,” Joe said. “Solely as a precaution in case the criminal returned.”
She turned back to her dusting, but they both heard what she muttered under her breath. “That’s how it starts.”
Kathleen turned back to Joe. “How about I buy you lunch as a thank-you?”
“Sure. Our usual?”
“Our usual,” Marcia echoed, lightly mocking, her back to them.
Kathleen asked, “Can you handle things here while I go out to lunch, Marcia?”
Marcia looked around the completely empty store. “I think I can handle it. You two go off and have fun doing whatever it is you do that’s not dating.” She winked broadly.
Kathleen grabbed her purse, and they headed out the door together. Joe asked, “What’s with Marcia and the winking?”
“You caught that, huh?”
“It would be hard to miss.”
“She’s convinced there’s something going on between us.” Kathleen gestured back and forth between them. “Between you and me, I mean.”
“Well, there is, right? A crazy sexual attraction that neither of us is acting on because we have such high moral standards?” He held up a palm. “At least, that’s how I see it. I’ve been holding strong, but I can tell you’re slipping, Kathleen. Honestly, I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to fend you off. I’m trying my best, but I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a saint.”
She laughed. “Believe me, I never thought you were.”
When they arrived at the Pine Cone, the booths were full, so the hostess seated them at a table. When Doris came to take their order, Joe said, “Doris, you look particularly beautiful today.”